Draft:Captain Benjamin Franklin Axtell

Benjamin Franklin Axtell (Jan 10, 1826 – July 16, 1864), was a Captain in the Union Army's 5th Michigan Cavalry. He commanded Company A at the Battle of Yellow Tavern where he was subsequently wounded. He later died of his wounds in Libby Prison.

Early Life
Benjamin was born In Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1826, to Sylvester Axtell and his wife Hiley Aurelia Kennedy. He was the youngest of their eight Children.

Civil War
On September 1st 1862 Benjamin joined Company L 5th Michigan Cavalry as a 1st Lt. The Regiment was Organized in Detroit, and was mustered into service on August 30, 1862. The regiments first major action was during the Gettysburg Campaign.

Battle of Yellow Tavern


On May 11, 1864, Captain Axtell Participated in the battle of Yellow Tavern.

Colonel Russel A. Alger who commanded the regiment noted

"In this engagement the brave Capt. Axtell, of Company A, was severely, it was feared mortally, wounded, and left at a citizen's house near the battle-field"